(Raleigh, NC – Insurance News 360) – As the North Carolina legislators negotiate a state budget, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is urging the Senate and House of Representatives to keep funding for driver education in the budget.

“North Carolina currently has some of the lowest car insurance costs in the country,” Goodwin said. “In addition to the public safety concerns that come with eliminating driver’s education programs, more untrained drivers on the road could ultimately lead to higher insurance rates for all drivers.”

For drivers, insurance rates are based on claims experience of the insurance companies. If companies pay more for claims over time, it is likely that rates would increase. As it is, teen drivers pay more for car insurance than those who have more experience, and they would see rate increases that are in line with the Safe Driver Incentive plan if theyare charged points for convictions are at-fault accidents.

“It is to everyone’s benefit to have skilled and safe drivers on the road,” said Goodwin.

Learn more about teens and car insurance at www.ncdoi.com/teendrivers or by calling the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 855-408-1212.

Source: North Carolina Insurance Department.